In 1909, Jewish architect Alexander Baerwald was asked to come up with a first plan for the new building. He was inspired by the idea of blending European form with Eastern elements, and despite the hardships of 1912, that year also marks the first cornerstone of Technion, laid in Haifa. The ceremony was a milestone in nation building, in academia in the Holy Land, and in world science. Through the synergy of efforts of a group of people scattered around the world, something new was beginning. For the first time ever, in physical form, an institute of higher education for the Jewish people and the people of the Middle East was coming into being.
On the 24th of Nissan, 5672 (April 11, 1912), a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held for the Technikum building, attended by many guests, dignitaries, and leaders of the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in the Land of Israel.
